Publications

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) continue to represent one of the most significant andcostly complications related to diabetes mellitus, posing serious challenges tohealthcare systems and resulting in considerable morbidity rates. This narrativereview explores the complex pathophysiology of DFUs, focusing on the interplaybetween peripheral neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, and a weakened immuneresponse, all of which contribute to delayed wound healing. Neuropathy leads to aloss of protective sensation, causing unnoticed repetitive injuries, while bothmicrovascular and macrovascular complications reduce tissue perfusion andhinder angiogenesis. Additionally, immune dysfunction and exaggeratedinflammatory responses raise the occurrence of infection and negatively affect thehealing process. The clinical manifestation, progression, and key risk factors of DFUswere discussed in this review, emphasizing the importance of early detection, carefulfoot care, and routine screening in individuals who are at risk. Numerous therapeuticapproaches are reviewed, including wound debridement, sophisticated wounddressings, offloading techniques, glycemic control, and adjuvant therapies such asgrowth factor administration, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and negative pressurewound therapy. For optimal results, a multidisciplinary team combining of vascularsurgeons, podiatrists, endocrinologists, and wound care specialists was included. Theanalysis also points out that promising advancements in bioengineered skinsubstitutes, intelligent dressings, and regenerative medicine hold promise for thetreatment of DFU in the future. Self-monitoring, appropriate footwear, and patienteducation are all important components of prevention, which remains a fundamentalstrategy. In the clinical management of DFUs, this narrative review incorporates themost recent research and highlights the value of proactive, customized, andmultidisciplinary approaches.